Photo: Alamy
Crews are once again draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as work continues on a renovation project launched by President Donald Trump, which extends beyond the administration’s original goal of completing it before the nation’s July 4 celebrations.
The president initially said the restoration would last for decades and sought to have the work finished in time for America’s 250th birthday festivities. However, weeks after the project was completed, an algae bloom developed in the pool and sections of the newly applied coating began peeling from the bottom.
The president has blamed the damage on vandalism, while critics have argued the problems resulted from poor workmanship.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the latest draining was planned and intended to remove debris left behind by the Independence Day fireworks display on the National Mall.
“Drain the water. Clean up the fireworks stuff,” Burgum said during an interview with conservative podcaster Katie Miller.
“Repair the vandalism that was done. Fill it back up again.”
The Reflecting Pool project is one of several construction initiatives President Trump has pursued in Washington during his second term. The administration has also begun work on a new White House ballroom and has proposed constructing a large arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
President Trump announced plans this spring to renovate the Reflecting Pool, ordering it drained and directing that the bottom be painted what he described as “American flag blue.”
In May, President Trump wrote on social media, “The goal is to have it done, at this higher level, prior to July 4th, We are ahead of schedule!”
Problems emerged soon after the work was completed. According to court documents, the National Park Service reported that someone cut the pool’s new liner with a sharp object during a June 9 incident.
Former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday in D.C. Superior Court to charges alleging he intentionally damaged the Reflecting Pool. Hearn has said he merely examined loose sealant and released a piece after being instructed to do so by a park employee.
